Lifesaving soldier gets awardfor his bravery

A YORKSHIRE soldier who “undoubtedly saved lives” when he ran to help people injured by a suicide bomb in Afghanistan has received an award for outstanding bravery.

Corporal Daniel Hoyland, 31, was assisting with the evacuation of Kabul in August last year after US-led forces withdrew from the country and the Taliban took back control.

When an improvised explosive device was detonated near the evacuee handling centre at Kabul Airport, kiling dozens of people, the paratrooper from Barnsley was one of the first to respond.

His citation stated: “He immediately left the secure zone inside the main gate of the evacuee handling centre to rush towards the blast, despite the potential for a further explosion.

“Without hesitation he searched for explosive devices and, undeterred by the carnage, began to triage the injured and direct medical assistance to those most in need.

“His immediate actions undoubtedly saved lives.”

Corporal Hoyland, who has previously served on tours of Afghanistan and Bosnia, said he was around 60 yards away from the explosion and his eardrum burst.

He added: “There were a lot of casualties and I was dealing with the crowd and trying to save as many people as possible. That’s the things I will remember forever.

“People were working round the clock and sleep deprived but everybody was doing a good job.”

He is one of three paratroopers who have received a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.

The British Army said Corporal Hoyland, Private Ahmad Fahim and Corporal Jamie Found have been recognised for “outstanding bravery and selflessness” during the evacuation of Kabul.